A few quick thoughts before the Bouchercon hangover hits: (This'll be quick because I'm exhausted and there's baseball to watch...)
It is fun to win an award. I have been nominated for awards before. And I will tell you honestly that the adage about it being an honor to be nominated is absolutely true. But winning is a lot of fun, particularly when you're 100% positive you have no chance before the name is read. Honestly--I had not prepared anything to say (and don't know what I said; if anyone out there knows, please clue me in) and had told at least six people ahead of time that there was no chance at all I'd take home a Barry Award for best short story. I can only assume it was a five-way tie for second, and one drunkard voted for me to put me over the top.
Seeing friends was a blast. For anyone who is not a million-selling author superstar, going to Bouchercon is like trying to be noticed in the third deck at Yankee Stadium. Compound this with the fact that not a single one of my books (nor those of most everyone else I know) was available in the book room, and the real draw of a huge event like this is catching up with old pals and meeting new ones. I met some actual readers--always a treat--some librarians and some new authors, all of whom were charming and lovely. And I got to see pals like Rosemary Harris, Julie Hyzy, Julia Spencer-Fleming, Hank Phillippi Ryan, Toni L.P. Kelner, Reed Farrell Coleman, Con Lehane, Dru Ann Love, Doris Ann Norris, Sheila Connolly. Alexandra Sokoloff, Dana Cameron, and I'm leaving out many others because I can't think straight at the moment. Tried not to stand next to Lee Child because people kept thinking I was Tom Cruise researching a role about a pudgy Jewish writer.
Putting faces to names is always fun. It was nice to finally meet people I've known for years via the Internet. Di and Michael Kovacs of DorothyL are, as they are online, gracious and fun. Thomas Pluck is a dedicated and funny guy. And Charlaine Harris (whom I had met before, in the interest of full disclosure) is a hoot and a half.
The Dead Guy "Reunion" was... partial. Josh, Marilyn and I met for a drink near a place where Ben was standing, and we saw Robin walk by at one point. Dana was spotted in the area. Josh bought the drinks. I was a cheap date.
Cleveland does, in fact, rock. There was great food, the Rock 'N Roll Hall of Fame is awesome (I heartily recommend it as a place to win an award), the hotel was... a hotel, and Boucercon was a blast. After the first night, the weather sucked, but there's only some much one can do about that.
With great honor comes great responsibility. Thanks to all who sent or expressed in person good wishes on the award. It felt like a lot of people were genuinely happy for me, and that has been my experience in the crime fiction community for all these years. If your aim was to send me home with memories of honest support and friendship, you may consider your mission accomplished.
Cngrats Jeff - sounds like you guys had a lot of fun.
Posted by: Toni Lotempio | October 08, 2012 at 07:04 AM
Congrats, Jeff! And so deserved!! Fabulous.
I agree, Boucher was terrific. I now have a crush on Michael Connelly. LOL Can't wait till Boucher 2013 in Albany.
Posted by: [email protected] | October 08, 2012 at 10:27 AM
Mega-congratulations! That award is well-deserved.
Posted by: Joanna Campbell Slan | October 08, 2012 at 11:00 AM
Congratulations again and it was great hanging out with you and meeting your lovely wife.
Posted by: Dru | October 08, 2012 at 11:30 AM
Congratulations on the win! So happy for you. Wish I could get away to attend one "Con" somewhere. Maybe, someday. I would love to meet you and many of the people you mentioned!
Get some sleep.
Posted by: Patty Andersen | October 08, 2012 at 12:04 PM
Congratulations on your well-deserved win! It was great seeing you among the crowds at Bouchercon.
Posted by: Aubrey Hamilton | October 09, 2012 at 09:16 AM
Happy to hear of your award, Jeff. It is high time you got some recognition for your work. Congrats!
Posted by: Brenda Buchanan in Maine | October 09, 2012 at 02:39 PM
Congrats, Jeff! Thanks for sharing Bouchercon memories with us!
Posted by: BrendaW. in the South | October 09, 2012 at 06:09 PM
Congratulations Jeff. It's a great story! You deserve it!
Posted by: William Burton McCormick | October 10, 2012 at 09:53 AM
Hi Jeff,
I was thrilled (and yelled loudly) when you won. I was more thrilled to meet you and am honored to have an autographed copy of the story.
Thank you! It was such a pleasure to meet you, and your delightful wife, in person.
Linda
Posted by: Linda B in VA | October 11, 2012 at 01:49 PM